King James Version

What Does Song of Solomon 3:6 Mean?

Song of Solomon 3:6 in the King James Version says “Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powd...” — study this verse from Song of Solomon chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant?”

Song of Solomon 3:6 · KJV

Context

4

It was but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my mother's house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me.

5

I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please.

6

Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant?

7

Behold his bed, which is Solomon's; threescore valiant men are about it, of the valiant of Israel.

8

They all hold swords, being expert in war: every man hath his sword upon his thigh because of fear in the night.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The scene dramatically shifts: Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant? The question 'Who is this' (mi-zot, מִי־זֹאת) expresses wonder at a spectacular procession. Cometh out of the wilderness (olah min-hamidbar, עֹלָה מִן־הַמִּדְבָּר) pictures ascending from desert toward Jerusalem (going 'up' to the holy city). Like pillars of smoke (ketimarot ashan, כְּתִימֲרוֹת עָשָׁן) suggests rising clouds of incense or dust. Perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant (mequtteret mor ulevonah mikol avqat rokhel, מְקֻטֶּרֶת מֹר וּלְבוֹנָה מִכֹּל אַבְקַת רוֹכֵל) describes aromatic spices creating fragrant cloud.

This elaborate procession celebrates the bridegroom (King Solomon, verse 7) coming for his bride with royal splendor. The wilderness-to-Jerusalem journey, fragrant spices, and public spectacle mark significant moment—likely wedding procession. The imagery combines humble origin (wilderness) with glorious arrival (perfumed, spectacular). Spiritually, this prefigures Christ's procession—He came 'from the wilderness' of humble incarnation, yet His arrival brought fragrant offering to God (Ephesians 5:2). The Church will ultimately be presented to Christ in glorious procession (Revelation 19:7-9).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern wedding processions were public, festive spectacles. The bridegroom would process to collect his bride with attendants, music, and celebration. Incense and perfumes created fragrant atmosphere and signaled importance. Myrrh (mor, מֹר) and frankincense (levonah, לְבוֹנָה) were precious imports used in temple worship (Exodus 30:23, 34) and royal ceremonies. 'Powders of the merchant' (avqat rokhel, אַבְקַת רוֹכֵל) indicates expensive imported spices from traveling traders. The 'wilderness' likely refers to the Judean wilderness east of Jerusalem—processions 'ascending' from lower elevations to the elevated city. Early church fathers saw Christ's incarnation as coming 'from wilderness' (humble origins) yet bringing fragrant offering to God. The pillars of smoke prefigure the pillar of cloud leading Israel (Exodus 13:21). Modern readers see both wedding celebration and Christ's glorious return for His bride.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ 'come from the wilderness' in your life—entering difficult, barren places to bring His fragrant presence and glory?
  2. What does it mean to live in anticipation of Christ's final 'procession'—His glorious return for His Church?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
מִ֣י1 of 13
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

זֹ֗את2 of 13
H2063

this (often used adverb)

עֹלָה֙3 of 13

“Who is this that cometh”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

מִן4 of 13
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַמִּדְבָּ֔ר5 of 13

“out of the wilderness”

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

כְּתִֽימֲר֖וֹת6 of 13

“like pillars”

H8490

a column, i.e., cloud

עָשָׁ֑ן7 of 13

“of smoke”

H6227

smoke, literally or figuratively (vapor, dust, anger)

מְקֻטֶּ֤רֶת8 of 13

“perfumed”

H6999

to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)

מֹר֙9 of 13

“with myrrh”

H4753

myrrh (as distilling in drops, and also as bitter)

וּלְבוֹנָ֔ה10 of 13

“and frankincense”

H3828

frankincense (from its whiteness or perhaps that of its smoke)

מִכֹּ֖ל11 of 13
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אַבְקַ֥ת12 of 13

“with all powders”

H81

light particles (as volatile)

רוֹכֵֽל׃13 of 13

“of the merchant”

H7402

to travel for trading

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Song of Solomon. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Song of Solomon 3:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Song of Solomon 3:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Song of Solomon 8:5Revelation 12:14Song of Solomon 1:13Song of Solomon 4:6Joel 2:29-31Deuteronomy 8:2

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